Not Just Another Saturday.

Closing Time, North Lexington Family YMCA, Lexington KY

Tuesday, October 25, 2011. The day she stole my heart.

Fourteen years ago, she opened her arms and took me in. Since then, I have been reminded almost daily that after 50 years of searching, I finally found my life’s purpose. I am so blessed to be part of the holy work and mission of the YMCA in my neighborhood and in the world.

Boy Scout. Student. Singer, Actor. Stagehand. Manager. Preacher. Teacher. It seems to me that my whole life was preparing me to serve at the Y. Part of me believes that God let me live through cancer so I could be here.

The truth is, whatever success or failures I have known, whoever taught me anything about life or love or knot-tying or good manners helped to prepare me to offer myself to the wonderful people who walk through the doors of the Y every day. I’m so richly blessed to be here, among people who would rather be filling their days with life, than reclining at home with a remote in one hand and Cheetos in the other, marking what’s left of their time on Earth.

Blessed by colleagues who love her just as deeply as I do; People devoted to the holy work of building people up, not tearing them down

Blessed by seniors who show up, not only to exercise and connect, but also to serve and support one another through celebration and suffering.

Blessed by kids who greet “Mr. Bob” in the pool, in the hall, and (maybe my favorite,) in the grocery store.

Blessed by clients who trust and teach me so much more than I could ever teach them.

Blessed by athletes whose commitment and faithfulness inspire me.

Blessed by courageous people who have declined cancer’s deadly invitation, and chosen life, whatever their prognosis.

Blessed to be borne by a river of love that has flowed for 180 years, and will keep on flowing long after my little boat has drifted out into the sea.

It’s always risky for me to start rhapsodizing about the Y. My love and gratitude turns into an avalanche of sentiment that exhausts even me. But sometimes I just have to shout how much I love her and the things she has done for me and for the folks I will always think of as “my people.”

I thank God I was able to find her before I died. It’s a better world with her in it. And I’m a better man with her in me.

God bless the YMCA.